Broadband security

It’s easy to be confused by all the technical jargon relating to broadband, especially when it relates to your security. But it’s not so complicated when you know what everything means and you know what measures you can take to protect yourself from broadband security issues.

Why is broadband security an issue?

The reason why you are at risk from viruses and hackers when you are online is due to the fact that the internet is a free flow of information. Whilst this means that you can access websites about anything from fishing to fashion it also means that other people can access your personal data by manipulating the open portal that is the internet. This is particularly relevant to broadband which is an ‘always-on’ connection which means that people could access your information even when you’re not surfing the web.

What does it all mean?

Cookies

Cookies are designed to put a ‘marker’ on your hard drive, so that a certain website can remember you every time you visit. Usually they are harmless and are mostly used by websites that you visit frequently which automatically remember your password, for example MSN Messenger.

Firewall

A firewall is a boundary, or a system of boundaries, between the information stored on your computer and the internet-borne viruses that it is susceptible to. It blocks out well-known viruses and recognizes the weaknesses in your defence system so that they can be repaired.

Phishing

Phishing is an illicit technique whereby scam e-mails are sent out pretending to be from someone you know. A common example would be a bank scam which asks you to verify your PIN and then uses the information you type in for fraudulent purposes.

Spam

Spam is the word used to describe junk mail; e-mails that you receive from unknown senders that are usually trying to sell you something, often a miracle cure for hair loss or something similar. Spam which informs you that you have won a competition which you never entered is also common.

Spyware

Spyware is a type of programme that secretly watches what you are doing online, which means it knows which websites you’ve visited and, more importantly, knows what personal information you have entered.

Trojan Horses

Trojan horses, named after the Greek myth, are seemingly innocent programmes which have an additional code encrypted into their makeup that allows for the illicit collection or destruction of data.

Viruses

A virus, just like a medical virus, infects existing programmes on your computer with a copied version of itself. This can be destructive to the programme and lead to the theft of private data. Viruses are often transferred onto your computer if you download from unauthorized websites.

Wireless Broadband Security

Perhaps the biggest security issue of recent times relates to home wireless broadband. If you do not set up a 'secure' wireless network, you may be exposed to people hacking into your wireless network (also known as a WLAN) and stealing details from your personal computer. Hackers who pursue wireless network security flaws are known as 'war drivers' who carry our 'war driving'. However, if you set up your home wireless network properly with the network forcing users to enter a "WEP" key (WEP is short for 'Wired Equivalent Privacy' and acts as a password), then this is not a problem you are likely to face. Simply follow your broadband provider's instructions for setting up your wireless network properly and you will not be exposed.

How can I defend myself?

To secure your computer's privacy, you need to invest in internet security software and set up your wireless network properly with full security measures. There are lots of well-reputed software packages on the market which are constantly being updated to combat new viruses. The most popular, and comprehensive, ones are produced by companies such as McAfee and Norton which include features such as anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall. When you set up your wireless network with your wireless router and software, follow the instructions for setting it up securely.

Regarding internet security software, you might find that your computer is already protected as most new computers now come with pre-installed software which you can use. If not, your broadband ISP might provide a security package as part of your contract. For example, AOL provides you with free McAfee security software when you choose any of their broadband packages. Alternatively, some providers may have their own security software designed specifically for their broadband system such as Virgin Media’s PCGuard software.

Now that you know how to protect yourself, compare Broadband Packages the easy way with Top 10 Broadband.